The creative life isn’t an easy one. You seek to translate the ideas in the head into words or art on the page. Sometimes, the ideas become realities. Other times, the ideas turn into something more wondrous than anything you could ever have imagined. You stand back, wondering, grateful. Many times, though, the ideas crash against the page and burn. The words don’t come. Everything comes up stick figures. You find yourself angry and frustrated—with the work, with yourself.
It’s normal to feel those emotions. You might be tempted to ignore them. Shove them into a corner! Let them collect dust and cobwebs! Don’t. Ignoring your feelings is the surest way to be overwhelmed by them at a later date. They’ll resurface at an inopportune times. You lash out at a friend, a spouse, a child. The welts rise to the surface as you’re pricked by guilt and shame.
Another avenue is to fight the emotions. It sometimes works, but it’s a wearisome battle. Even when you win, it’s a short-lived victory. Every day is an opportunity to create something new. If you fail at the task, what then? Do you have the energy reserves to fight anger and frustration again and again and again?
A different approach is needed. When you’re angry and frustrated, experience the emotions. Acknowledge them. Sit in them. Dig to their roots. Discover why you react the way you do. Anger and frustration are only external expressions of something occurring deep within you. Explore the nooks and crannies. Search out the dark places.
Now, shine a light on them. Don’t stay in the emotions and experience. Bring the truth to bear. You are a writer, artist, dancer, maker. You are called to create. You have something to say, and only you can say it. No matter how many times you fail, no matter how angry and frustrated you become in this life, no matter how often the words and drawings refuse to come, remember that. You will rise again. You will take up your tools and create.
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